PORT TOWNSEND — Jefferson County Chief Deputy Treasurer Janet Holbrook was confirmed as acting treasurer by the county commissioners Monday, providing a transition between the current Treasurer Judi Morris’ retirement and the certification of the Nov. 4 general election.

Holbrook, 55, has worked in the office for 32 years, will lead the office from July 1 to Nov. 25, when the results of the election are certified.

At that time, the winner of the Nov. 4 general election will be sworn in early for the four-year term ending in 2019.

“We are lucky that she is here and ready to step in,” said District 2 Commissioner David Sullivan.

“She will provide a smooth transition between Judi and the elected treasurer.”

Jefferson County Department of Community Development Director Stacie Hoskins, a Democrat, is the only candidate who has declared for the position, though she could be challenged by write-in candidates in either the general election or the Aug. 5 primary.

The appointment of Holbrook as acting treasurer was necessitated by the Jefferson County Republican Party’s inability to find either a suitable interim choice or someone to run for a full term in the fall.

The process began in April when Morris, who has served four terms, announced her retirement, effective June 30.

Since Morris was elected as a Republican, the county party was charged with selecting three nominees from which the commissioners were to choose a preferred candidate.

That person would have served until Dec. 31, the end of Morris’ current term.

Morris recommended Hoskins as her successor, but the party submitted three other names: Quilcene businesswoman Dena Jones, retired Port Ludlow accountant Lyle Newlin and former Jefferson County Republican Party Chairman Ron Gregory, all of whom withdrew from consideration.

Holbrook, a 1977 graduate of Port Townsend High School, said she expected a smooth transition between Morris and herself and then to the person elected later in the year.

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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.